Ray Rice voted team MVP, Arthur Jones wins Good Guy award

Ravens Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice was voted the team Most Valuable Player and defensive lineman Arthur Jones won the Good Guy award for cooperation with reporters in the annual balloting from local media who regularly cover the team.

"It's an honor," said Rice, who signed a five-year, $40 million contract last summer that included a $15 million signing bonus. "For y'all to vote me MVP, it's a special honor. You guys have a job and my job is to go out and perform. For you to recognize me as the MVP as a team with football being such the team sport, it's a special honor. I look forward to going out there and giving it my best. Even through the highs and lows for y'all to see through that and vote me MVP, it's a humbling feeling.

"I give all the credit to my teammates, my offensive line, [fullback] Vonta [Leach], [quarterback] Joe [Flacco], for pushing through this season. It's still going for us. I put all the accolades up. After the season is over will be a great time to reflect with all that happened this offseason, my contract and everything else, finally able to come back here and play some really good football."

Jones regularly granted interview requests, including multiple ones from local and national outlets when the Ravens played against his brother, New England Patriots standout rookie defensive end Chandler Jones, during the third game of the season.

Jones also sent a lengthy text message detailing his grief after the murder-suicide involving Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, a childhood friend of Jones.

"I appreciate you guys doing such a great job of showing the brighter side of me on and off the field," Jones said. "I appreciate all you guys do for us. I know sometimes guys give you guys a hard time and not give you an interview and I just see myself being a reflection of my parents and treat everyone with respect. I appreciate this reward from you guys."